Epiphone Slash J‑45 November Burst – Slash Signature Review

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Epiphone’s Slash Collection brings the renowned Gibson vibe into an accessible package, and the Epiphone Slash J‑45 in November Burst nails the essentials: solid tonewoods, artist-endorsed specs, and pro-level electronics—all at an attractive price point.

Epiphone Slash J 45 November Burst

Design & Construction

  • Body: Solid Sitka spruce top paired with solid mahogany back and sides gives balanced tone with warmth and clarity.
  • Shape: A classic round-shoulder J‑45 design with vintage scaled dimensions (24.75″ scale, 1.693″ nut width).
  • Neck: Slash-custom rounded C-shape mahogany neck, supported by a flatter 16″ radius Indian laurel fretboard—comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
  • Finishes and Aesthetics: High-gloss “November Burst” finish, minimalist pickguard, multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl dot inlays, and Slash “Skully” logo on the back of the headstock and truss rod cover.

Tone & Electronics

  • Acoustic Sound: Offers a punchy, balanced voice with midrange body and tight lows—great for folk, blues, or rock styles.
  • Pickup System: Equipped with the LR Baggs VTC undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted Volume/Tone controls for natural plugged-in tone and stage-ready performance.

Hardware & Feel

  • Bridge & Saddle: Reverse belly Indian laurel bridge with Graph Tech TUSQ compensated saddle and ivory bridge pins ensure reliable intonation.
  • Tuners: High-quality nickel Grover Rotomatic tuning machines maintain tuning stability.
  • Setup Comfort: Needs minimal break-in. Some users report slightly narrow string spacing—easy to adjust if needed.

Real Player Feedback (From Reddit)

  • “Absolutely beautiful… full and rich, great balance between high and low E strings volume.”
  • “Sounds better than many Gibsons. The neck takes some getting used to, but it’s really ergonomic once you’re in.”
  • “Playability is solid, great value—less bass than Gibson J‑45, but still excellent tone.”
  • “Some people experienced cosmetic issues or setup quirks out of the box—so be sure to check setup and feel.”

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Authentic J‑45 tone on a solid-woods build
  • Stage-ready LR Baggs VTC electronics with discreet controls
  • Comfortable, modern neck design with flat radius
  • Slash branding and unique finish at a mid-range price

Cons

  • Some users receive guitars requiring setup tweaks
  • Slightly tighter string spacing may not suit all players
  • Sound may have less low-end authority compared to Gibson-built counterparts

💵 Value & Pricing

Priced at around £650–£770 (~$800 USD), the Slash J‑45 delivers tremendous value. It competes directly with entry‑level to mid-tier Gibson acoustics, yet includes upgrades that often exceed expectations for its price class.

Final Verdict

The Epiphone Slash J‑45 November Burst is a standout among mid-tier acoustic-electric guitars—a perfect match for players wanting trusted tonewood combos, stage-ready electronics, Slash branding, and professional playability. If you’re seeking Gibson-style tone without the Gibson price tag, this model is a top contender.

⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 — High-quality tone and feel in a rock-ready package.

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